Shrimp and Corn Rotini – Light, Creamy, and Full of Flavor
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This Shrimp and Corn Rotini combines the sweet pop of corn, the delicate brininess of shrimp, and a light, creamy sauce for a dish that feels indulgent yet fresh. It’s a perfect balance of American comfort and Italian pasta tradition — quick enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Corn Rotini Recipe
You’re going to love this Shrimp and Corn Rotini recipe! It’s a quick, fresh, and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for warm-weather dinners or any night you want something easy but impressive. Here’s why it stands out:
Fast & Flavorful
This dish comes together in about 25 minutes from start to finish. That’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to cook. Despite being quick, it’s full of flavor thanks to the combination of shrimp, corn, and a light creamy sauce.
Fresh, Bright Ingredients
The recipe uses fresh ingredients that give it a bright, summery taste. Sweet corn, tender shrimp, and fresh herbs make the dish light and refreshing, perfect for spring and summer meals.
One-Skillet Sauce
The sauce is made in the same skillet as the pasta, which means less cleanup and more flavor. Cooking everything together allows the pasta to soak up all the juices and seasonings, making each bite rich and cohesive.
Versatile
You can use fresh or frozen shrimp and corn, making this recipe flexible and easy to adapt to what you have on hand. It works whether you’re cooking in the summer with fresh produce or using frozen ingredients in the winter.
Crowd-Pleasing
The creamy sauce is rich enough to be satisfying, but not too heavy, so it appeals to both kids and adults. It’s the kind of dish that’s easy to make for a family dinner or serve to guests without worrying about picky eaters.
This Shrimp and Corn Rotini is a light, easy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings!
Gather Your Ingredients
- Rotini Pasta – Twists hold the creamy sauce and bits of corn.
- Olive Oil – For a smooth sauté base.
- Scallions & Garlic – Aromatic flavor foundation.
- Red Chili Flakes – Gentle heat to balance the sweetness.
- Corn Kernels – Sweet, juicy bursts in every bite.
- Dry White Wine – Adds depth (or use broth for non-alcoholic).
- Coconut Milk – Light creaminess with a subtle tropical note.
- Butter – Rounds out and enriches the sauce.
- Shrimp – Tender, meaty protein that cooks quickly.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens and balances the richness.
- Parmesan Cheese – Salty, nutty finish.
- Parsley – Fresh, herby lift.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente, following package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add scallions, garlic, chili flakes, plus salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Cook Shrimp
Add shrimp to the skillet and sauté just until almost cooked through — this keeps them juicy.
4. Add Corn & Sauce Base
Stir in corn kernels, white wine, and coconut milk. Simmer 2–3 minutes until corn is tender and flavors meld.
5. Finish Sauce
Add butter, stirring until melted. Shrimp should be fully cooked now.
6. Combine & Serve
Add rotini, lemon juice, Parmesan, and half the parsley. Toss gently to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve topped with remaining parsley.
Cooking Tips & Variations
Shrimp Size Matters – Adjust cooking time based on shrimp count-per-pound.
Extra Creamy – Add an extra splash of coconut milk before tossing pasta.
Bump the Heat – Increase chili flakes or add hot sauce.
Vegetable Boost – Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or baby spinach.
Make Ahead – Cook pasta and prep ingredients ahead; finish in 10 minutes.
Recommended Equipment
- Large Skillet – Even Heat for Sautéing
- Pasta Pot with Strainer – Easy Draining
- Wooden Spoon – Gentle on Nonstick Surfaces
- Microplane Zester – Perfect for Lemon
How to Serve Shrimp and Corn Rotini
Here’s how you can serve your Shrimp and Corn Rotini to make it even more delicious and enjoyable:
With Warm Crusty Bread:
Serve the pasta with warm, crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough. It’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, so none of that tasty goodness goes to waste. Plus, the crunchy bread adds a nice contrast to the tender pasta and shrimp.
Alongside a Crisp Garden Salad:
Pair it with a fresh garden salad—think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. The crisp, refreshing vegetables balance the richness of the creamy pasta, making the meal feel lighter and more vibrant.
As a Main Course for a Light Summer Dinner Party:
This dish works beautifully as a main course for a casual or elegant summer dinner. Its fresh, bright flavors make it ideal for entertaining, and it’s easy to serve family-style or plated individually for a more formal vibe.
With these serving ideas, your Shrimp and Corn Rotini becomes not just a meal, but a complete, satisfying dining experience!
The Best Drinks, Breads, and Desserts to Serve with Shrimp and Corn Rotini
Shrimp and Corn Rotini is light, creamy, and delicately sweet, so the perfect companions should enhance rather than overpower it. Fresh, palate-cleansing drinks, airy breads for soaking up the sauce, and subtly sweet desserts keep the meal balanced, flavorful, and satisfying from start to finish.
Here are some recipes that you might love to pair with your Shrimp and Corn Rotini
French Butter Cookies
Their delicate, buttery flavor acts as a palate cleanser after a creamy, savory pasta. Because they’re light and not overly sweet, they won’t overpower the subtle shrimp and corn notes. They give the meal an elegant European finish.
Greek Yogurt Berry Cheesecake Parfaits – A No-Bake Dream!
The tangy yogurt and juicy berries refresh the taste buds after a rich main course. The creamy texture ties into the rotini’s creaminess but adds a fruity brightness that keeps the meal balanced.
Black Cherry Crisp – The Ultimate Comfort Dessert You Can’t Resist!
Why: The tartness of black cherries cuts through any lingering richness from the pasta, while the warm crisp topping brings a cozy, comforting end to the meal. It’s ideal if you want a stronger flavor contrast.
Sparkling Blackberry Basil Cocktail – A Refreshing & Elegant Sip!
The effervescence refreshes the palate between bites, while the blackberry’s sweet-tart profile and basil’s herbal freshness complement both seafood and creamy sauces.
Alternative: Non-Alcoholic Berry Peach Sangria brings similar fruit-forward brightness without alcohol, making it family-friendly and just as refreshing.
Fluffy Breakfast Bread – Quick & Easy!
Soft and airy bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce without making the meal too heavy. It acts as a subtle companion rather than competing with the rotini’s flavors, ensuring the shrimp and corn remain the star of the plate.
Diet-Friendly Options
Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta.
Dairy-Free – Skip Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Low-Carb – Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Best Ways to Store
Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat – Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or coconut milk.
Freezer – Not recommended — shrimp texture can suffer.
Shrimp and Corn Rotini
Equipment
- Large pot for pasta
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 12 oz dry rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup canned coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 12 oz uncooked large shrimp (21–30 count), peeled and deveined
- ½ lemon, juiced
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup parsley, roughly chopped, divided
Instructions
- Cook Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics – In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add scallions, garlic, and chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp – Add shrimp to the skillet and sauté until almost cooked through (watch closely to avoid overcooking).
- Add Corn & Sauce Base – Stir in corn, white wine, and coconut milk. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the corn is tender.
- Finish the Sauce – Add butter, stirring until melted and the shrimp are fully cooked.
- Combine – Add rotini, lemon juice, Parmesan, and half the parsley. Toss gently to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve – Transfer to plates or a serving bowl. Garnish with remaining parsley. Serve with crusty bread and a garden salad.
Notes
Pro Tips & Variations
- Shrimp Size: Use the count per pound for accuracy—21–30 is large; adjust cook time for smaller or larger shrimp.
- Wine Substitute: Use chicken or vegetable broth if avoiding alcohol.
- Extra Creamy: Add 2 more tablespoons of coconut milk before tossing with pasta.
- Spicier Kick: Increase chili flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Make Ahead: Cook pasta and prep ingredients in advance, then finish the dish in under 10 minutes.
Common Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp and corn?
Yes, both frozen shrimp and corn work well. Just thaw shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking.
2. What can I use instead of coconut milk?
You can substitute heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer flavor, or use a dairy-free alternative for a different creamy base.
3. Is the white wine necessary?
No, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead without losing much flavor depth.
4. How can I make the dish spicier or milder?
For more heat, increase chili flakes or add hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce or omit chili flakes entirely.
5. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace rotini with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
6. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or coconut milk to keep it creamy.
7. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can cook the pasta and prep ingredients in advance, then finish the dish in about 10 minutes before serving for best results.
This Shrimp and Corn Rotini is the kind of pasta dish that feels restaurant-worthy but fits right into a weeknight schedule. Bright, creamy, and satisfying — it’s a perfect blend of comfort and freshness.
